Apparatus for washing vehicles



July 19, 1927. '1. 36,190

F. D. MAHONEY APPARATUS FOR WASHING VEHICLES Filed July 50, 1925 ,llu-

ATTORNE'Y Patented July 19, 1927.

UNITED} STATES 34m; .1). MAHQNEY, or SAN ANSELMQ, cem ronma AYIiARATUSFOB WASHING VEHICLES.

Application filed Jul so, 1925. Serial m. 41,019.

This invention relates to the apparatus tor washing vehicles in. which ai'neans is provided for delivering a prepared solution of liquid to asprayer under pressure.

An object 01% this. invention is to provide an apparatus for washingvehicles in which a heated soapy solution ot'liquid is prepared anddelivered to a spraying means under pressurt-r by. a pump. i

' Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus forwashing vehicles in which a liquid solution is automatically preparedand. delivered to a sprayer under pressure. 1

A further object 01 this invention is to provide an apparatus forwashing autoinobiles in whichthe amount of soap and liquid necessaryfor. its satisfactory operation are antiimatically regulated.

A :ti-irther object o l? thisinveution is to provide an apparatus forwashing automobiles in which compartments are provided tor thecontauungol' solutlons and to which a spray. pump is connected for thewithdrawing of the solutions and the forcingv of them through a nozzleunder various degrees of pressure.

In the accompanying drawings .liorming. a part of this application,

Fig. 1. a sectional view of the liquid containers, showing theconstruction thereof with the various connections attached theret o Fig.2 is a top view of the liquid containers;

Fig. 3 is a perspective View. of my invention showing the arrangement ofthe parts thereof with the connection thereon; and

Fig. 1 is an enlarged vertical sectional View of the'check valve used toregulate the amount of cleansing material admitted into the liquidcontainer.

. Referring. to the drawings in which like. numerals of reference refer.to the same parts throughout the various views, the numeral 1represents a liquid containerpreferably of cylindrical shape andconstructed from any suitable material such as sheet iron. The container1 is provided with a top 2 and. a bottom 3, the top having a chimney 4secured to its central part. Locatedapproxiinately in the central partof the container 1 and extending't'rom the top 2 to the bottom 3 iscylindrical partition 5 on the outside of which is located a tiller 6,comprised of an insulating material such as magnesiun r or asbestos.Extending around the tiller ('5, and assuming the general shape ofpartitiono, is a cylindrical plateT, adapted to enclose and renderWater-tight the space between 5 and 7 in whichtheti-ller 6 located. Thepartition secured to the top 2 and bottom 3' bysolder, welding or othersuitable means, in-such a manner that liquid is prevented from passing.from or into-(the compartment 0 which is "formed by the partition:5,.nnfd from or. into the coniipartineirt (Z which is locatedinsideicontainer. 1 between 1 and 7, except as hereinafter described. YLocated within the compartment 0, formed by the cylindrical and thecylindrical plate 7 are v partition 5, are a pluralityot pipes. or tubes8,. which are open at their lower. ends, extend through holes. in thebottom, and extend in an upward direction through suitable holes the top2 inside chimney 4. Located directly underneath the tubes 8 is asuitable burner l), whichwhen in operation, heats the tubes '8. Thefun-res from burner 9 pass through the tubes 8 and out through thechimney 1. The burner 9 may be adapted to burn gas, oil or any othersuitable. fuel, the same being fed thereto by any suitable means such asav pipe 16). Connecting theinsde or the compartment 0, formed by thecylindri cal partition 5, with the compartment (Z,

located between cont-aner 1 and cylindrical plate 7, is. a pipe 11,.which extends from a point near the lower part of partition 5 in anupward direction through the tiller 6 and tl'irough plate 7 into thecompartment (Z. The pipe 11 provided, with-in compartment cl, with avcheck valve 12, which operates in such a manner as to prevent liquidfrom compartments from flowing into com-- partmental, but does allowliquid tromconr partment .al' to flow into compartment 0.

'The inside of compartment 0 is connected to. pump 1 by a suction pipe14: which eX- tends through'partition 5 at a point below the centralpart, upwardly through filler 6,

through top 2' and across it, down the side of container 1 to pipe 15-which is suitably I connected-to the pump 13-. A suitable valve.

1 6 is provided on pipe 14-, which permits the shutting off a: theliquid flowing from co1npartment c to the pumplg. The pump is connectedto the compartment (5' by a suction pipe 17 which extends: through thewall of the container 1 and is connected to pipe 15 'other liquidsolution.

outside thereof at a point adjacent the union of pipes 1 1 and 15. Pipe17 is provided with a valve 18 which enables the shutting off of liquidflowing from compartment d to pump 13.

The pump 13 may be of any suitable make adapted for both suctionpurposes and for ejecting liquid. under pressure. In this con nection, Ihave found that sprayer type pumps embodying various forms ofconstruction may be used. The pump 13 is provided with a pressure reliefvalve 13, which may be conveniently adjusted so as to regulate theamount of pressure under which the liquid is ejected.

The pump 13 is connected, adjacent pressure relief valve 13 withcompartment cl by pipe 19, which extends through container 1. Connectedto pipe 19 at a point near its entry into compartment (5 and extendingpartly across and through top 2, is extension pipe 20, which connectspump 13 with compartment 0. Located at the junction of pipes 19 and 20is a two way valve 21, which permits the flow of liquid from the pumpeither into compartments 0 or d, as is desired.

Connected to the pump at a point where the liquid is ejected therefrom,is a hose 22, provided with a valve 23, and attached to a suitablespraying nozzle. The valve 23 permits the shutting off of liquid passingfrom the pump through the hose. Extending through the wall of container1 is a pipe 24, which is connected to a source of water or The pipe 2 1is provided with a shut off valve 25 to which is attached rod 26 that issuitably connected to a ball 27, adapted to rest on the water incompartment (Z and turn on the water coming through pipe 24L when thewater level in the said compartment reaches a low point.

Secured to the rod 26 and extending verti-.

cally through the top 2 is a rod 27 on the end of which is pivoted ahorizontal rod 28. Rod 28 is suitably attached to check valve 29 whichis connected to pipe 30 leading from a soapcontaining receptacle 31 intocompartment 0. The valve 29 is opened by the ball 27, which upon movingin a downward direction, turns the rod 28, thereby opening the valve 29and permitting the soap to pass from receptacle 31, through pipe 30 intocompartment 0. As shown in Fig. i the check valve 29 is provided with acentrally located recess through which soap may proceed from receptacle31 into compartment 0. Extending transversely through the centrallylocated recess in the valve 29 is a pin 32 which is provided with anopening therein adapted to register with the said centrally locatedopening in the said valve 29, thereby allowing the soap to proceeddownwardly toward compartment 0. When it is desired to shut off thesupply of soap passing from receptacle 31 through the valve 29,

the pin 32 is turned, thereby closing the centrally located opening inthe said valve. The rod 28 extends transversely through the centrallylocated opening in the valve 29 and is also provided in the same manneras pin 32, with an opening which is adapted to register with thecentrally located opening in valve 29. Upon the turning by the ball 27of the rod 28, the opening therein either registers with the centrallylocated opening in valve 29 and allows the soap to proceed intocompartment 0, or closes the said opening and prevents the soap from sopassing into the said compartment. The top 2 is provided with a lid 33,which may be removed to permit inspection of the inside of thecontainer.

The pump 13 is connected to motor 34 by belt 35, thereby providingsuitable energy for operating the apparatus.

A valve 36, connected to the lower part of compartment (Z affords ameans for draining the liquid from the said compartment.

Describing the operation of the apparatus, water or any other suitableliquid solution is admitted into compartment d throu 'h pipe 24L to thedesired level and to the height where the ball 27 shuts the valve 25oif. The liquid from con'ipa'rtment (Z flows through pipe 11 intocompartment 0, reaching the level of the liquid in compartment d. Thefuel in burner 9 is ignited and the pipes 8 are heated, thereby heatingthe liquid in compartment c. The motor 34 is started, thereby operatingthe pump through belt 35. If it is desired that a comparatively hotliquid be used in washing a vehicle, the valve 18 is turned to an offposition and only the liquid from con'ipartnient 0 is allowed to bewitl1- drawn through pipes 1 1 and 15 by the pump 3, from which it isejected under pressure through hose 22. If a comparatively cold liquidis to be used the valve 16 is turned to an oil position and'valve 18opened, thereby allowing liquid from compartment (Z to flow throughpipes 17 and 15 to pump 13 from which it is ejected. The liquid fromboth compartments may be used by opening the valves 16 and 18, and thetemperature of the liquid so used may be regulated by so adjusting thetwo valves.

If for some reason it is not desired to spray the liquid on the vehicleat any particular time, the valve 23 is shut off and the valve 21 isopened into either of the compartments thereby allowing the liquid passing through the pump to be forced back into either of the compartments.

As the liquid in either of the compartments is used, the water leveldrops in compartment d, thereby causing the ball 27 to move in adownward direction, thereby opening valve 25, and operating the rods 27'and 28 in such a manner as to open check valve 29 located on pipe 30.below receptacle 31. The

opening of check valve 29 causes the Soap,

lye or other cleansing material'located 1n: receptacle 31 to flowthrough pipe 30 into compartment 0. a V

The liquid in compartment 0 iskept' in a heated condition, while theliquid in com partment dis comparatively cooler and free from soap orother material, thereby affording a means for furnishing heated liquidhaving cleansing material therein, or a liquid comparatively cooler andtree from such material.

While the form of construction herein illustrated and described is fullyadapted to tullill all of the objects primarily stated, it is tobeumlerstood that I do notavish to limit the invention in this regard,for it is susceptibleof embodiment of other forms, all coining withinthe scope of the following claims. v l I I claim:

"1 An apparatus for washing vehicles comprising,a plurality of liquidcontainers, a pump connected to the containers whereby liquid may bewithdrawn from any or all of the containers and ejected under pressure,means connecting the container; whereby the same liquid levels may bemaintained in all of the containers and means for automaticallydelivering a cleansing material to one ot' the containers 2. Anapparatus for washing vehicles coi'i priisng, a plurality of liquidcontainers, a pump connected to each of the containers by a series ofpipes whereby liquid may be withdrawn from any or all of the containersand ejected, means connecting the containers whereby the same liquidlevel may be mamtamed in all of the containers, and means forautomatically delivering a cleansing material to oneof the containers.

3. An apparatus for washing vehicles comprising a plurality of liquidcontainers,

means connecting the containers whereby liquid may bepermitted to flowfrom one container to another, means for delivering a cleansing materialto the containers, and a. pump connected to each of the containerswhereby liquid may be withdrawn from any or all of the containers.

4:. An apparatus for washing vehicles comprising a plurality of liquidcontainers, meanstor heating liquid in one of the containers, a pumpconnected to each of the containers whereby liquid maybe withdrawn froman 1 or all of the containers means'con other liquid container locatedtherein, means for heating the l quid inthe second men'- tionedcontainer, means connecting the two containers whereby liquid may flowfrom one container to the other, a pump connected to each ofthecontainers whereby liquid; may be withdrawn fron i either or both of thesaid containeisimd means connect-ed to one of the containers andactuated by the fall of the water level in the said container whereby acleansing material may be delivered to the saidcontainer.

An apparatus for washing vehicles comprising a liquid container having apluralit of compartments therein, means for heating the liquid in thecontainer, means for permitting the liquid to flow from one compartmentto anoth'er, a pump connected to each of the compartments forwitl'idrawing' liquid from any or all of the compartments, and meansconnected to the container and actuated by thetall of the waterlevel inone of-the compartn'ients whe'reby a cleans ing material may beautomatically delivered to the container. 7Q "An apparatus forwashing"vehicles, comprising a liquid'container having located thereinanotherliquid container, means for heating the liquid'in one of thecontainers, means for delivering a cleansing material to one of thecontainers, a pipe connecting the two containers, whereby the sameliquid'level'T may be maintained in the two containers, a pump connectedto each of the containers whereby liquid may be withdrawn from. eitheror both of the containers and ejected under pressure and means wherebyliquid is delivered to one of the containers in proportion to the amountwithdrawn from either or both of the containers 8 An apparatus forwashing "ehicles, comprising a liquid container divided intq twocompartments, an insulating material located between the twocompartments, a series of pipes located in one of the compartments,

a burner located belowthe pipes, whereby heat is delivered to the pipes,a pipe connecting the two compartments whereby the liquid inbothcompartments is maintained at the same level, a pump connectedtoeach of the compartments whereby liquid may be withdrawnfrom either orboth and ejected under pressure, and means for automatically deliveringliquid to one of the containers in proportion to the amount withdrawnfrom either or both of the compartments.

, 9. An apparatus for washing vehicles comprising'a' liquid containerdivided into; a plurality of compartments, means for antomaticallyallowing liquid to flow into one of the compartments, means connectingthe compartments whereby liquid may flow fronij one compartment toanother, means for automatically delivering a cleansing material to oneof the compartments, and a pump con-' nected to each of the compartmentsfor withdrawing liquid and ejecting it under pressure.

10. An apparatus for washing vehicles, comprising a liquid containerdivided into a plurality of compartments, a pump connected to each ofthe compartments whereby liquid from any or all of the compartments maybe withdrawn and ejected under pressure, means connecting the pump andeach of the compartments whereby liquid withdrawn from any or all of thecompartments may be delivered into any of the compartments, means forheating the liquid in one of the compartments, means for automaticallydelivering liquid to the compartments, and means for maintaining thesame liquid level in both compartments.

11. An apparatus for washing vehicles,

"comprising a liquid container divided into two compartments, means forautomatically delivering liquid to the compartments in proportion to theamount of liquid used, means connecting the two con'ipartments wherebythe level of the liquid in the two compartments is maintained at thesame height, a pump connected to the two compartments for withdrawingliquid from either or both of the compartments and ejecting the sameunder pressure, connec tions leading from the pump to each of thecompartments through which liquid withdrawn from either or both of thecompartments may be delivered to either of the compartments, means forautomatically delivering a cleansing material to one of thecompartments, and means for heating one of the compartn'ients.

12. An apparatus for washing vehicles, comprising a liquid containerdivided into two compartments, means for heating one of thecompartments, means located between the two compartments whereby theheat is prevented from passing from one compartment into the other,means connecting the two compartments whereby the level of the liquid inthe two compartments is mainlained at the same height, a pump connectedto each of the compartments for withdrawing liquid from either or bothand ejecting it under pressure, separate connections leading from thepump to the two compartments, through which the liquid withdrawn fromeither or both of the compartments may be delivered to either of thecompartments, means for automatically allowing liquid to enter one ofthe compartments in proportion to the amount withdrawn and ejected fromeither or both of the compartments, and means for automaticallydelivering a cleansing material to one of the compartments, which saidmeans is operated by the fall of the water level in the compartments.

l3. An apparatus for washing vehicles, comprising a liquid containerdivided into two compartments, a series of pipes located within one ofthe compartments, means for delivering heat to one of the compartmentsthrough the pipes, a pipe connecting the two compartments fortransferring liquid from one compartment to the other and formaintaining the level of the liquid in the tWo compartments at the sameheight, means for automatically delivering liquid to one compartment, apump connected to each of the compartments whereby liquid may bewithdrawn from either or both and ejected under pressure, meansconnecting the pump and the two compartments through which liquidwithdrawn from either or both of the compartments may be forced backinto either of the compartments, and means for automatically deliveringa cleansing material to one of the compartments.

14:. An apparatus for washing vehicles comprising, a liquid containerdivided into a plurality of compartments, means connecting thecompartments whereby liquid may flow from one compartment to another, apump connected to each of the compartments for withdrawing liquid fromany or all of the compartments, and means for antomatically delivering acleansing material to one of the compartments.

15. In an apparatus for washing vehicles, the combination of a liquidcontainer divided into a plurality of con'ipartments, a pump connectedto the container for withdrawing liquid therefrom, means for permittingliquid to flow from one compartment to another, wherehy the same liquidlevel is maintained in all of the compartments, and means forautomatically delivering a cleansing n1aterial to the container.

FRANK D. MAHONEY.

